Most would not prefer disability

Saturday

May 4, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 4, 2013 at 11:33 AM

I agree with letter writer Louis M. Spiezio's statement that "although I believe that the majority of disability recipients are deserving, I feel that fraud and gaming the system are widespread ("Letter writer in denial over disability fraud," Sunday).

I agree with letter writer Louis M. Spiezio's statement that "although I believe that the majority of disability recipients are deserving, I feel that fraud and gaming the system are widespread ("Letter writer in denial over disability fraud," Sunday).

I just don't think the problem is as pervasive as Spiezio's implied estimate, nor Jonah Goldberg's ("Disability benefits appear to be taking place of welfare in U.S." op-ed column, April 5).

The Social Security Administration's March report states that the average benefit paid out to disabled workers is $1,129.61 monthly (yearly, about $13,600). A $15,510 annual income is the federal poverty line for a two-person household.

How strongly do Spiezio and Goldberg think that standard of living drives folks to cheat the system when they could make more washing dishes, sweeping floors or flipping burgers, unless medical conditions disable them from work?

Also, Spiezio and Goldberg asked why the extent of Americans drawing disability benefits expanded with the Great Recession. I'll bet something like the following actually transpired with tragic frequency: A widget mechanic got a job with X Corp. and, over the years, developed great relationships with her bosses. When she developed a medical condition making it difficult for her to perform some job tasks, her relationships facilitated negotiations - out of goodwill - that accommodated her disability. Then X Corp filed for bankruptcy and shut its doors.

The employee found it difficult to tell whether potential employers' reactions to her disability influenced them to select other applicants instead of her. She just knew she couldn't find a job.

I am retired on disability. The benefits make possible subsistence but no luxury and few creature comforts. My religious faith maintains my hope that abatement of bipolar disorder someday will enable me to return to work.

That day is not today, and I'd trade my benefit check for Goldberg's paycheck any day.